THE YEAR OF THE WORD
MISSION
Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.
VISION
To make disciples one kid at a time. As the Lord continues to uphold us, we will not stop until every young person across Africa has heard the gospel.
West May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
— Romans 15:13 (NIV)
MEET THE TEAM!
From left to right: Zinnah Yallah, Aissata Deborah Samaké, James Mungai Kamau
From left to right: Moges Berassa, Fireselam Assefa Desta, Martin Wamalwa, Richard Odongo
From left to right: Sithandizile “Stha” Moyo, Alexis Kwamy, Sharon Intauno
Africa East Africa South
James Mungai Kamau
Senior Vice President Africa West
Martin Wamalwa
Senior Vice President Africa East
Alexis Kwamy
Senior Vice President Africa South
LETTER FROM THE SVP s
The Lord is on the move. It is evidenced in the stories, the faces, and the numbers in this 2025 Impact Report. Young Life Africa is made up of 37 separate countries spread across three distinctive divisions, each with so many languages, tribes, and cultures. We represent them together in this report as we tell the story of Jesus in the lives of teenagers across Young Life Africa. We are honored to come together to share with you what God is doing to call his children to faith in our home.
The three of us (Alexis, Mungai, and Martin) chose to name this year the “Year of the Word,” leading our divisions in focusing on what God says in the Bible. To reach more teens with the good news, we specifically emphasized volunteerism, challenging each area and region to increase the number of volunteer leaders so that more kids can be known by their names and grow in their faith. As a result, the number of volunteers grew by 24%. Those 41,000 leaders, along with local staff, have shown up at schools, in neighborhoods, at soccer games and community centers, and now know 3,115,625 teens by name. That’s an increase of more than 47% teens known by name.
The work that the vice presidents are doing in each of their geographies has made it possible. Their time and attention and prayers have opened up more space for growth. We are reaching kids in places we never thought we could. In the Horn of Africa, brothers Abdhi and Ahmed have gone from being
just siblings to being brothers in Christ, giving them a great advantage in a country hostile to the gospel. Maqhawa of Eswatini, raised by his older sister, has a community and support through his Campaigners group and is able to lead at his school because of the confidence that it gives him. In Côte d’Ivoire, Aboidje was able to stop fighting and disrespecting the world around him and anyone in authority, and come back to a place of love and peace with his family, all of this because God chose to use Young Life to call them to faith.
We are humbled to see the things that we have seen. Daily, God reminds us that he has even more than this on the horizon, one kid at a time. Thank you for prayer, for donations, for visiting. Thank you for your attention in a world where there is so much going on. We need you and are grateful to be on this journey together.
We can’t wait to see where the Lord takes this ministry next.
In peace and gratitude, ,
Photo from left to right:
Young Life has given me a place to belong, dream bigger, and grow in my faith. It’s more than just fun — it’s a family that believes in me.
— Teen from Zimbabwe
CREATIVITY
Art Contest
We asked Young Life leaders to create what love looks like in Young Life in their areas.
George Richard Ojeh
Artwork Title: “Layers of Thought”
George Richard Ojeh leads Young Life in Nigeria. George first encountered Young Life as a teenager in 2016, going on to become a leader in 2021. George also serves on the program team in the neighborhood and high school clubs.
“I have a strong passion for art and use my creativity to build meaningful relationships with teenagers. Whether it’s through designing engaging activities or presenting the gospel in imaginative ways, I am committed to helping teens experience the joy, truth, and love of Christ.”
Angah Cedric
Cedric leads Young Life in Cameroon. He has been a part of Young Life since 2018 and is currently serving as a staff associate. Young Life became a huge turning point in his spiritual journey. As an introvert, Young Life offered him an excellent way of not just knowing Christ more but also sharing his faith with others. It was an ideal platform that made it easy for him to relate, connect, and share the love of God with anyone, anywhere.
As an artist and storyteller, Cedric uses his gifts to create engaging visuals, videos, and art that speak to the hearts of teenagers. Whether it’s through a camp banner, a social media post, or a mural at club, his goal is to reflect God’s love and make the message of the gospel come alive in a form teens can connect with.
AND FAITH
GOING TOGETHER
Young Life Africa is projecting that by the year 2030, we will know six million kids by name, 800,000 will be involved in local clubs, 400,000 will be involved in Campaigners, all led and loved by 80,000 volunteers.
Empowering Tanzanian Leaders with Technology
Mr. Raymond, a close friend of Young Life staff member Catherine (Cathy) and an active committee member involved in strategic leadership, recently made a significant contribution to the ministry in Tanzania. During a visit to Cathy’s grandfather’s funeral, he noticed that she was using an outdated laptop. He offered to buy her a new one.
However, Cathy saw a greater opportunity. Instead of accepting a new laptop for herself, she asked if the same funds could be used to equip her team with laptops. Moved by her selfless request, Mr. Raymond generously donated 10 laptops and a projector to support area directors in Tanzania.
This gift was especially timely, as the staff are now required to use digital systems for collecting statistics and financial reports. The 10 laptops were given to leaders who previously had no access to computers. As a result, their ability to carry out ministry work has improved significantly.
Thanks to Mr. Raymond’s generosity, these leaders are now better equipped to serve and lead effectively.
The Birth of Young Life Hope in Sierra Leone
The new Young Life Hope ministry in Sierra Leone is the product of faithful prayer inspired by the KNOWN initiative of Going Together. This special ministry requires a particularly strong and compassionate mindset to reach out to teenagers with life-threatening illnesses, all of whom come from a variety of backgrounds.
Christiana Koroma, a volunteer leader of the Hope ministry in Freetown, has met teenagers facing the immense challenge of life-threatening illness. Among them is Musa, a 17-year-old teen, who battles both diabetes and sickle cell disease. His health struggles have caused him to be homebound, impacting his education and preventing him from attending school regularly. As a result, Musa is behind in school, grappling with the disruptions caused by his condition.
When Christiana first met Musa, she noticed his remarkable courage and resilience. Musa exuded boldness despite the trials he faced. When he spoke, his insights and reflections were far more mature than what his age might suggest. Their friendship quickly grew, but as time went on, she stopped seeing him regularly. Concerned, she began to search for him to reconnect. In doing so, she realized the depth of his struggles and the reality of his situation.
Musa’s parents, who are Muslim, were supportive of their connection. They welcomed Christiana’s presence into their lives and even agreed to allow him to attend Young Life activities and church with her whenever he felt up to it. In a beautiful turn of events, Musa expressed a desire to embrace Christ, marking a significant moment in his spiritual journey.
The bond that formed between Christiana and Musa’s family transcends the boundaries of religion, creating a harmonious relationship grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
This is a profound testament to the power of going together as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12, that says each individual is unique and plays a vital role in the community. Growth in ministry has come through mutual learning, showing that with compassion and unity, even the most difficult challenges can be faced together.
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
— Matthew 12:33 (NIV)
MINISTRIES
Young Life
“Everywhere I go in my country, I see young people first, then adults because they are a big part of the population. Young Life gives me the tools to mentor and train the next generation of leaders in my country. I am able to contribute to shaping the future we want to see, which is God-fearing leaders in every area of life.” — Celeste Tayob, area director, Mozambique
WyldLife
“WyldLife is dedicated to cultivating an environment where middle schoolers have the opportunity to explore and uncover their unique talents while also gaining a deeper understanding of their identity. It’s not enough to simply tell them about Jesus; we need to embody his teachings and demonstrate his love through our actions.” — Yomo Konah, WyldLife coordinator, Liberia
YoungLives
YoungLives supports pregnant and parenting teens through mentorship, community, and a life with Christ. Leaders aim to not only teach young mothers about God’s love, but also equip them with life skills and new ways to bond with their babies.
Young Life Hope
“God uses tough seasons and allows us to meet each other in it. Seeing the kids smile, even in terrible pain, encourages me and shows that there is always hope amidst the storm. I think this ministry came at the right time and is needed by so many.”
— Esther Busingye, area director, Rwanda
Capernaum
“These young people have been labeled, ignored, and pushed to the margins of society, yet God calls them his own. As I play, talk, eat, and pray with them, I discover a joy so genuine it breaks my heart open. Our ministry is about sharing the healing and restorative Word of God with those society often overlooks. We affirm them. We celebrate them. We tell them what God says: ‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made.’” — Domnique Babu, Capernaum coordinator, Kenya
International Schools
Teenagers in international schools attend for various reasons; some are children of affluent diplomats, others are children of missionaries, and some are locally born but with a privileged background. Life for these teens looks a little different from most, and still Young Life leaders meet them where they are in order to share God’s love.
Young Life University
At a time in their lives when young adults hear from the world around them who they should be and what they should do, Young Life University invites students to experience Christian community full of love, significance, and adventure.
Eswatini
Liberia
Malawi
Kenya
Mali
Nigeria
REFLECTING ON THE YEAR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
All of Young Life Africa set aside 2024 as the Year of the Holy Spirit. Teams prayed, fasted, and honored God while taking an entire month off of outreach ministry. The result was a year of remarkable growth, the expansion of clubs, reports of renewed unity, healing, deeper prayer and spiritual transformation, and more kids coming to Christ and actively living out their faith.
Staff went out of their way to dream of new places to go. They pulled out their maps and asked, “What’s next?“ A team in the West, led by Zinnah Yallah, planted a mango tree in Guinea. New ministries have started in Chad, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, Botswana, Lesotho, Togo, and Guinea Conakry. The number of teenagers that African leaders know by name has grown by almost 50% in just one year.
Here is what a few of the leaders had to say about what they experienced:
There are lots of miracles taking place for me personally and with the lives of my club members. Lots of young people are being transformed into Christ life on a daily basis, which is the greatest miracle of all time. It is also a great miracle to see the Lord Jesus Christ using my vessel to reach young people. This is my greatest joy of all time.
I have seen leaders being united and loving even more, the love of God has been vivid. I’ve experienced God healing my team from emotional pain and traumatic experiences that they have lived with for years. This has made them love doing ministry better.
My vision has come through a dream I had when I was sleeping. I dreamt of preaching to street children. In my dream, I saw myself as a preaching pastor. As a miracle, some months after my dream, Bosco, an area director in the eastern part of Rwanda, requested me to join the Young Life ministry to reach and pray for lost kids in my community. Though the journey is underway, so far we have at least 30 kids in our club.
— Privilege Matunzeni, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
— Ruth Getty, Gbarnga, Liberia
— Daniel, Kibungo WyldLife, Ngoma, Rwanda
Kids Known by Name
This number represents every kid a Young Life leader knows.
Kids to Club Teens who attend weekly events where we share the gospel.
Kids to Camp Teens who come away to play and hear the gospel.
Kids in Campaigners
Teens who gather in small groups to study the Bible and learn to walk with Jesus.
Number of Ministries
Every separate outreach ministry, including high school age, middle school age, university students, teens with disabilities, and teen moms. Kids Known by Name
Kids to Camp Kids in Campaigners Number of Ministries
207,652
234,686 4,858
EAST
Hope Behind Bars in Ethiopia
Fayesa Taba’s Story
Fayesa lived in a small community. His friends introduced him to selling stolen phones. Unfortunately, this behavior led to his arrest, which resulted in him being sent to juvenile prison.
Young Life leaders visit the prison every week to be with kids and lead club. Fayesa wasn’t really interested. But one day he saw that a Young Life Prison Day Camp was happening. It sounded interesting, so he decided to check it out. During camp, he was surprised by great joy as he played games and spent meaningful time with his leader, Yesayse, and a group of peers. When the
camp speaker shared the gospel of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ, it touched his heart. Fayesa made the decision to receive Jesus as his personal savior.
Although learning to follow Jesus while in prison is challenging, due to the harsh environment, limited spiritual support, and continuous negative peer influences, Fayesa is grateful for his new life in Christ and for Yesayse, who continues to walk with him. Even in prison, God has begun a beautiful work in his heart as he continues to grow in his faith, experience healing, and find new purpose in life through Jesus.
Brotherly Love in the Horn of Africa
Abdhi and Ahmed’s Journey of Faith and Belonging
In a place where hope often feels out of reach, brothers Abdhi and Ahmed began a journey that would change their lives. Their introduction to Young Life came through a trusted source, a significant member of the community who also serves as a Young Life leader. As they began going to Young Life club, Abdhi and Ahmed felt like they belonged. When they were invited to camp, they were excited. Their time at camp was a dream come true, full of fun, games, and the wonderful message of the love of God.
Young Life offered the brothers something different. They felt a stirring in their hearts that was new. They created friendships
and shared love in ways they had never experienced before. Through their journey with Young Life, both came to know the Lord Jesus. That relationship has brought lasting peace and purpose to their lives. Their story is one of revival, of renewed love for God, and of deeper love for each other. Now they walk together in this faith.
Abdhi and Ahmed’s story is special because they get to read the Bible together in school and at home. They are more than siblings; they are also brothers in Christ, supporting each other and growing in faith together.
AFRICA SOUTH
Maqhawe
Growing in God’s Promises in Eswatini
Maqhawe was overwhelmed with grief after losing both his parents and his grandmother. The only family member remaining to care for him was his older sister. Life together was difficult because she was not employed. They reached out to a local Christian center that provided them with food and shelter at times.
During his visits to the Christian center, Maqhawe heard the gospel and he committed his life to Christ at just 7 years old. When Young Life came to his school, he was captivated, because they were teaching the Word of God through interactive and playful games.
Maqhawe’s leader invited him to his first Young Life camp, which was completely different from anything he had ever experienced. The food, games, and
illustrations of the gospel stayed with him. When he returned home, he chose to join his leader’s Campaigners group, seeking community and support in his journey of faith. He shares, “At Young Life, I learn a lot about the Word of God and how to be a Christian and believe in the Word of God and his promises.”
This growing confidence in God’s Word has shaped him into a respected young man in his school, where he now serves as a prefect in a student leadership role. Passionate about learning, Maqhawe hopes to continue his studies — especially in his favorite subject, religion — and looks forward with excitement to all that God has in store for his future.
THUMELILWE (LEADER ON LEFT) AND MAQHAWE
Nercí’s Story
Finding True Vision Through Faith in Mozambique
Nercí was born in Quelimane, a young woman full of dreams and energy. During her high school years, she developed glaucoma and lost her sight — a diagnosis that changed her life. The world she once knew faded and challenges multiplied.
But Nercí was never the type to give up. Determined to continue her studies and find a new purpose, she moved to Beira and enrolled in Mozambique’s only institute for visually impaired individuals. It was there that she met the leaders of Young Life — people that not only cared about her friendship, but also had something even more precious to offer: the knowledge of Jesus and his immense love.
At first, Nercí joined Young Life meetings out of curiosity. She listened intently to the weekly Bible studies, absorbing every word about a God who loves and cares, a God who sees beyond physical limitations. Over time, something began to change within her. An unexplainable peace started to fill the emptiness she had felt.
The light of her soul shines through every conversation, every smile, every gesture of kindness toward her friends. Even without seeing with her physical eyes, Nercí clearly sees the love of God guiding her path.
During one of these gatherings, Nercí had a revelation that would transform her life: Jesus was everything she truly needed. With tears in her eyes and her heart overflowing with emotion, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. From that moment, her life began to change.
Today, Nercí is not just a participant in the club — she is one of the most active in inviting other visually impaired friends to the Young Life clubs. Her story of resilience and faith inspires everyone around her. The light of her soul shines through every conversation, every smile, every gesture of kindness toward her friends. Even without seeing with her physical eyes, Nercí clearly sees the love of God guiding her path.
Her testimony is a powerful reminder that true vision does not come from the eyes but from the heart. Those who know her see in her life the living proof of God’s love and the salvation that only he can offer.
NERCÍ AT CLUB
WEST
Ma Lydia
A Decade of Faithful Service and Hope in Nigeria
Lydia Abraham, known as Ma Lydia, stands as a beacon of hope in Lagos. For nine years this remarkable woman has served as a volunteer leader, embodying a spirit of service and compassion. Her journey with Young Life began when the late Joseph Madu shared the Young Life mission of connecting teenagers with Jesus. Witnessing the pain and the challenges young people face, her love for them and her dedication to Christ compelled her to take action.
After completing her training, Lydia took the initiative to establish the U-turn Neighborhood Club, which has blossomed into a nurturing space for young people, as well as two additional clubs in the area. Her goal is to expand the ministry to other communities throughout Lagos, further spreading the gospel message of hope in Jesus.
Lydia has been successful in recruiting and training many leaders in her pursuit of uplifting young lives. Even though some have subsequently relocated in search of better job opportunities or education, she regularly connects with these former leaders, ensuring they feel appreciated and loved no matter where life takes them.
What sets Lydia apart is her compassion for teenagers. Balancing her roles as both classroom teacher and volunteer leader, she pours her heart into her work, motivated by a love for both Christ and the teens she serves. Her efforts have touched the lives of over a thousand young people who see her as a role model.
Lydia has fully committed herself to the ministry of Young Life and the work of God for nearly a decade, serving as a vital force in the transformation taking place throughout Nigeria. As she continues to inspire both young people and fellow leaders, may God strengthen her courage and endurance, and may her unwavering spirit be reflected in others — building a legacy of compassionate leaders who will uplift and guide the next generation throughout Nigeria and beyond.
NIGERIA
As time passed, something began to shift in Aboidje. He realized that the love Kouabenan expressed wasn’t just about her — it was about the love of Jesus she believed in.
Led by Love
Aboidje’s Journey to Jesus
Aboidje was known in his neighborhood in the country of Mali for being difficult. He often picked fights and didn’t respect his elders. It didn’t matter who they were — he spoke back, rolled his eyes, and made it clear he didn’t care what anyone thought. At just 14, he had already worn his parents down. They loved him, but it was hard to feel that love was returned.
One day, hoping to get away from the stress at home, Aboidje followed some friends to a Young Life club. At first, he didn’t take it seriously. It seemed like just another place to hang out, laugh, and kill time. But that day, he met someone who would change his life: Kouabenan Laurence, a leader at the club.
Kouabenan was different. She smiled and treated everyone with kindness, even when Aboidje acted out. She didn’t try to fix him or tell him what to do — she just listened. Through small, honest conversations, she introduced him to Jesus, not with pressure but with hope. As time passed, something began to shift in Aboidje. He realized that the love Kouabenan expressed wasn’t just about her — it was about the love of Jesus she believed in. That realization was a shock to him. It ignited a spark in his heart.
Eventually, he decided to follow Jesus, and from that point on, things started to change. The anger that once drove him started to fade. He learned how to say sorry, to treat people with respect, and to handle conflict without blowing up.
His parents noticed. Slowly, they saw the boy they loved coming back to them — not just in his words, but in his actions. Their home began to feel less tense, more connected. The love between them, once buried under years of frustration, started to grow again. With the help of God and Young Life, Aboidje is flourishing, as he and his parents grow closer as a family.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
In general, African women still face cultural, familial, and economic oppression in a patriarchal society. This holds many disadvantages, with the greatest challenge of being recognized as a leader. As a countercultural act of love, truth, and confidence, we created the Women’s Leadership Accelerator.
Founded in 2018, the Women’s Leadership Accelerator empowers women across Africa, India, and the Middle East to know and understand their leadership abilities within their roles and gives them the opportunity to develop new skills. The women who participate take part in a two-year cohort that meets on a regular basis, both over Zoom and in person.
The result is that thousands of women across Young Life Africa, India, and the Middle East are built up in leadership at every level in the mission. Almost 90% of women who have gone through the accelerator now hold higher leadership positions! With new engagement strategies, all leaders — both men and women — have the vision and tools to reach more young women and to help them nurture the call that God has placed on their lives.
CYNTHIA AND CHIM
More than Mentorship
A Journey of Leadership and Growth
Cynthia Munezero of Rwanda and Chimwemwe (Chim) Siyabu of Malawi are both graduates of the Women’s Leadership Accelerator. They share a special relationship. Not only does Chim supervise Cynthia, she also mentors her in life. We asked them about their time in the program and the impact they have had on each other. Here is what they had to say:
1. Please share about your time going through the Women’s Leadership Accelerator.
CYNTHIA: The Women’s Leadership Accelerator taught me the importance of understanding and embracing my values as a female leader. I learned to identify and lean into my strengths, to stand confidently on my own, and to engage in crucial conversations when necessary. The program also emphasized the importance of self-care, prioritizing my well-being to better serve others. What truly surprised me during the program was the immense love, sacrifice, and intentionality poured into every detail by the trainers. Their commitment went far beyond just teaching — they created an environment where we felt deeply supported and valued.
CHIM: During the program, we were asked to look at how our past has impacted our leadership and our dependable strengths. I saw God’s intentionality over my life and was amazed to see how he developed my leadership skills starting a long time ago. Looking at my life in totality allowed me to see where God has taken me and gave me confidence to own the kind of leader I am today. To be honest, I thought it was going to be just another work training, but it not only focused on the work I do in ministry but helped me grow as a person mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and taught me about my finances too.
2. Please tell about your relationship as a mentor and mentee and the impact it has had on you.
CYNTHIA: My relationship with my mentor, who is now my boss, feels like a divine
connection. I truly believe God orchestrated it, choosing her to walk with me as a mentor during the program, knowing she would become my leader. When I learned she’d be my mentor, I expected our conversations to be strictly professional, focused on work or program-related topics. But to my surprise, our relationship grew into something deeper. We bonded through open and heartfelt conversations, sharing life experiences, personal stories, and even praying for one another. Over time, she became not just a mentor but a close friend.
CHIM: When I first interviewed Cynthia, she seemed like someone who was already confident, and she didn’t feel like a stranger; it felt like we had met a long time ago. We had already been working together when I was asked to be her accelerator mentor. I realized I already had been mentoring her, but I didn’t consider myself a mentor. I considered myself her supervisor. That changed our relationship because there was more intentionality with our meeting and processing what she was learning. That experience for me was amazing because I got to see her grow in leadership, her work, and her family life!
3. How have you seen each other grow since meeting one another?
CYNTHIA: I witnessed Chim’s growth not just through her guidance, but through her vulnerability. She didn’t take the traditional mentor role of just pouring into me. Instead, she allowed the relationship to be mutual. She openly shared her leadership journey, including some of her failures and the lessons we could both learn from. She’s real about her own challenges, and even invites me to pray with her over them. I’ve grown tremendously from her personal experiences, especially in leadership. She empowered me with practical skills, from building systems and staying organized to learning how to serve and lead my team effectively.
CHIM: I’ve seen Cynthia dive into being a leader from the beginning. She was hired as a logistics coordinator but stepped out of
her comfort zone to mentor teen moms. She was determined and ready to learn anything. Even now working with her as an operations coordinator, she has grown so much. She wasn’t sure if she was meant for the position, but Cynthia has been so dependent on God for confidence. She even has to supervise people who are her peers. She had grace and patience while handling that transition, and it really challenged and encouraged me as I was going through the same transition. We encourage each other by saying, “You are smart. You are in this position because you are capable, and God knows what he is doing in using you here.” Cynthia is amazing, and I’m really proud of her!
4. Please share how your friendship from the Women’s Leadership Accelerator has impacted your work team.
CYNTHIA: The friendship we built during the Women’s Leadership Accelerator was deeply impactful. When I found out Chim would be my boss, I didn’t feel hesitant, burdened, or afraid of stepping into new responsibilities. Instead, I felt at peace because I knew her heart, her values, and the kind of leader she is. I remember how, in my first few months, I could reach out to her freely and ask questions without fear or pressure. That level of openness made my transition into the role much easier. I believe that without our mentorship journey, it wouldn’t have been as smooth.
CHIM: Working with Cynthia has been amazing. When I have one-on-one meetings with my team every week, my calls with Cynthia are easy — because I’m not only calling someone I supervise, but I’m calling my friend. We are able to share our challenges and wins, not only regarding work, but in our personal life. We pray for each other and are able to trust each other even when we’re having a hard conversation, because we know we are for each other. She knows my intention is not to hurt her or make her feel bad but to help her grow. We are intentional to remember that we are friends and also colleagues and to balance those two relationships.
CAMPING
Senegal
Marie Thérèse’s Story
Even with loving parents in a Christian home, Marie Thérèse felt alone and misunderstood. She held grudges, which led to both fights at school and isolation. But the worst part — invisible to others — was the torment by evil spirits, dark forces that wanted her downfall. Her health was deteriorating. She suffered many mysterious illnesses, becoming weaker, both physically and morally. Her distraught parents took her to hospitals and healers, but nothing changed.
Although her parents are believers, Marie Thérèse was to replace her grandmother in the kingdom of witches because it is a family tradition, passed from one generation to the next. Her grandmother flattered and coaxed her in order to draw her in. When Marie Thérèse began to see how strange it was, she withdrew, and that is when the evil spirits began to haunt her.
The spirits fought for her by creating illnesses, distancing her from her prayer life. She nearly died several times. Her friends began to avoid her. She was called a witch or a bad girl, even by some in her family.
In this storm, she lost sight of her faith. She could not believe that God loved her, and she could no longer see the light. One day after mass, a Young Life leader named Daniel met her. He simply invited her to a club. She didn’t respond immediately — there was too much pain and mistrust. But a small spark of curiosity ignited, and eventually she agreed to go.
It was the beginning of a profound journey. Learning to trust wasn’t easy. The leaders persevered, never judging. They listened, prayed, and walked alongside her. Through Young Life, she began to find a real circle of friends, people she could confide in. Her participation in club helped her overcome her reticence and regain confidence in prayer. Leaders would pray for her after each club and Campaigners gathering. They took her to a priest to have him lay hands on her, and her condition improved; she was stronger and happier.
She was happy at camp. For the first time in a long time, she felt free. Surrounded by other teens, she discovered that she was not alone, that there was a love that did not judge.
Through Young Life, Marie Thérèse rediscovered her faith. She rediscovered a taste for prayer. She experienced healing, not just of her body, but of her soul. God banished the darkness that pursued. She discovered that Jesus had never abandoned her, but had been right there all along. She rejoices in the power of God in her life and the support of a loving and prayerful community.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” — Luke 15:21 (NIV)
SIERRA LEONE
MALI
MALI
Ethiopia
Kalkidan’s Story
Kalkidan was one of the 159 teenagers who went to one of this year’s Young Life outreach camps in Ethiopia. Before coming to camp, she was shaped by a shameful past and struggled with identity, direction, and hope. But because of the faithful friendship of her Young Life leader, Frehiwot, Kalkidan began to experience the unconditional love of Jesus in real and tangible ways.
At camp, Kalkidan found herself immersed in joy — from fun games and shared laughter with friends, to deep conversations and quality time spent with Frehiwot and their cabin group. She shared that camp was not only incredibly fun but also a place where she learned many new things, especially about Jesus. Most significantly was when she heard the life-changing message of the gospel.
Touched by the truth of this message, Kalkidan made the powerful decision to commit to and follow Jesus Christ. She left camp with more than memories. She left with a purpose. As God’s love reshapes her story, she has begun to heal from a painful past that once felt too heavy to carry. Now, instead of feeling lost, she sees a future filled with hope and direction.
Kalkidan is excited to grow in her faith and continue her journey alongside Frehiwot, who is now a trusted mentor and friend. She’s even begun spending personal time with God and reading her Bible on her own. A beautiful reflection of her deepening relationship with Christ, God is transforming the lives of teenagers like Kalkidan through Young Life, giving them not just a moment of joy, but a lifetime of purpose.
South Africa
Asakhe’s Story
Asakhe of Silversands recently went to camp for the first time, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience. Even the bus ride was filled with excitement and much anticipation for him. Music welcomed the bus as it pulled into camp. “Hearing the trumpets playing as we entered was incredible; the melodies stayed with me.”
Camp offered more than just fun and friendship. The time was filled with worship, teaching, and personal reflection. Asakhe began to feel something shift inside. Coming in, he thought he wanted nothing to do with God, as he was drowning in
his addictions. While at camp, he learned that God has called us to belong to his Kingdom. If he would put his faith in Jesus, he could overcome. It hasn’t been easy, but Asakhe learned at camp that everyone, no matter their background, can experience God’s love.
Asakhe was excited to go back home a changed person. Even though he knows the journey will not be easy, he is already looking forward to the next time where he hopes they go even deeper into God’s Word.
KENYA
ETHIOPIA
SOUTH AFRICA
ZAMBIA
THANK YOU!
Thank you. Because of you, teens in Africa get to hear the good news of a God who sees them and loves them. Leaders walk into communities and are catalysts for change. Teens hear that good news, know the love of Jesus, and they themselves grow into followers of him. They become leaders: Young Life leaders, community leaders, faith leaders, leaders in their families. Disciple-makers are making disciple-makers. Without your generosity, none of this would happen. We are grateful.
